Good Flashlight/Laser for pistol

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Hunter125

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I am shopping around for my first pistol and posted a thread about it. Someone suggested that I look into a flashlight or laser or both for HD purposes.
Here's my question: if I am going to use this gun as an all around gun, for carry, HD, etc, then is it worth it to put a flashlight/laser on it? If so what kind of carry options do I have? And I'd like some suggestions on some good quality flashlights/lasers, as I have never looked into it myself. I'm kind of on a tight budget, but wouldn't mind some high end suggestions as well. Thanks guys.
 
Suggestion: Don't go cheap. I know budgets are tight, but buy once, cry once. And get some low light training if there is any in your area. It'll be worth the cost.

I'm a big Surefire fan (but their stuff will give you sticker shock!). A laser/light combo unit is going to be more expensive than a light only, I'd buy a light only first.

It is absolutely worth it to put on a light for HD use. Some guys even go so far as to carry a gun concealed with one of the smaller lights on it. Not a bad idea, either, and something you may want to consider.

Look at Surefire and Streamlight. Dunno who else, just don't buy cheap as you will regret it.

Streamlight, for example, sells a TLR-1 for around $100. You might want to look into that. Maybe used.

Also, make sure your handgun will work with a light on it. Glock 22s, for example, do not play well with lights mounted on them. The XD and M&P have no such problems I am aware of, ditto for most other poly pistols and steel and aluminum pistols won't exhibit issues, either.
 
I keep a Streamlight TLR-2 light/laser combo on my home defense pistol. It mounts to the rail under the barrel and goes on or off the gun in seconds so you could take it off for carry and then put it back on at home if you so chose.

They run between $200-250 usually. There are some cheaper brands but this one is solid, very bright, and can be used as just a light, just the laser, or both at the same time. It has a momentary on/off switch that keeps it on only while your finger pushes the switch as well as a hands free on or off position. If you only want the light, the TLR-1 is basically the same unit without the laser and can be found for under $100.
 
Thanks for the replies.
Any particular reason the Glock 22 doesn't play well with a light? That was one of the pistols I was looking into.
Also any holsters specifically for guns with lights on them?
 
Any particular reason the Glock 22 doesn't play well with a light? That was one of the pistols I was looking into.
Click to expand...

The frame flex characteristics of the 22 cause it to have issues. I am not sure whether the Glock 23 has the same issue, but I imagine it does. Just wanted to warn you...

Yes, there are holsters specifically for guns with lights on them. Raven Concealment, Bladetech, and a few others.

If you are looking for a .40 caliber handgun and want it in poly, take a look at the S&W M&P series- well designed, highly recommended, and they are pretty unique in that they were designed for .40 from the outset rather than taking a preexisting gun and cramming .40 into it. They don't have light issues.
 
As mentioned, Bladetech makes them as does Blackhawk. I carry a small Smith & Wesson M&P CREE LED flashlight rather than use the rail mounted light when carrying concealed. My Glock 27 has a guide rod laser so I don't lose much going that route and still have a light and laser available if I want/need to use them.
 
Anybody use rod guide lasers? I just saw them today for the first time and I like the concept. Are they worth it?
 
Hunter125 said:
Anybody use rod guide lasers? I just saw them today for the first time and I like the concept. Are they worth it?
Click to expand...
Yes, I have a LaserMax guide rod laser in my Glock 27. I like it. Easy to turn off or on when your trigger finger lies straight forward alongside the slide (normal resting position for me unless I'm going to pull the trigger, and it's basically right under the tip of my finger so it's easy to manipulate).

The switch it uses replaces the take down lever and you push either full left or full right through the frame to turn it on. Returning it to the centered position turns it off. I haven't had any problems with holsters turning it on or inadvertently turning it on any other way. I primarily do range shooting without it, but for a CCW it's nice to have the option of using a laser. I also love that it doesn't add anything to the exterior of the weapon. Some say it could break and render the weapon useless. I only have about 200-300 rounds through it since I got the laser, so I couldn't say anything for durability. I will add that my brother has had one in a Glock 26 for years with zero problems for what it's worth.
 
How is the zero on the Lasermax? I've read people talking about how you can't adjust it so you might be off center and not be able to do anything about it. Have any problems with that?
 
mine is within about an inch of point of aim. it varies depending on the distance to the target. I think it is zeroed at 25 yards, but you can check their website if you want to be sure. I haven't tried mine from a bench rest or anything like that to confirm it, but in my experience it's close enough to zeroed shooting handheld that any distance greater than 1 inch is my fault.

If I could afford it, I'd have them on one or two other pistols. I have the Crimson Trace grips on my .357 and like them on the revolver. I prefer the lasermax setup on the autos other than my home defense pistol, which gets the laser/light combo so I'll always have a light if I need it in the middle of the night. Hand held flashlights are always close by my bed too, but if I am groggy or something it's one less thing to remember to grab.
 
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The big three light laser combos are:

Surefire X400 (very expensive 450.00 list) www.surefire.com
Streamlight TLR 2 www.streamlight.com
Insight Tech M6X www.insighttechgear.com (non LED) (I have one on my G22 no problems ever.)

Flashlight only are:

Surefire X300
Streamlight TLR-1 (best value IMO)
Insight M3X (non LED)

LED lights have longer run times. The Glock problem according to Streamlight was a Glock mag spring issue that is supposedly fixed. It had to do with frame flexion when tightening the mounting screw supposedly. Not really sure. My G22 has never had a problem but the Insight M6X does not use a screw. it uses a snap bar to lock the light on. I have my Light/ laser on my G22 which is my night stand gun. The light stays on it 99% of the time.

My EDC is a G30. I put Crimson Trace laser grips on it since a combo light laser unit is way too big to conceal IMO and I still wanted a laser that didn't add a lot to the size of the weapon. I like this setup alot

I am getting a large 5 inch Kimber 45 ACP soon and the plan for that is laser grips and a plain flashlight so I can take the light off to CCW and still have the laser.

I have no experience with the guide rod laser. I have heard a few complaints about the lens getting dirty but if you clean your weapon no big deal.

As mentioned, several manufacturers make holsters for handguns with light lasers on them.

I have a Blade Tech for my G22 Insight combo light but it has no retention. i like it for the range.

A few:

Blade Tech
Raven Concealment
Safariland
Blackhawk
Sidearmor

Hope this was helpful
 
Sig STL-900L

Sig makes a laser light combo. I have one and it works fine for HD. However, I do not think it is worth the $215 MSRP. I got mine for about $100 on sale. If you are willing to spend the money the TLR2 is a better option.

The SIG SAUER STL-900L Tactical Light & Laser is the ideal integrated solution for weapons illumination and aiming. A high output LED provides a blinding white light, with a strobe function optimized for disorientation. The high intensity red laser works alone or in combination with the white light to provide pinpoint accuracy. Intuitive push button operation allows for any combination of light and laser function. Magnetic switching assures optimum performance and durability under the most demanding conditions. Digital integrated circuits provide power management and optimize battery life. Ergonomic design and advanced materials assure light weight and a compact form factor. The STL-900L features a quick release latching system that can be operated with one hand and tightened for added security without the use of tools. The unit attaches to M1913 and similar type rails, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms.

The SIG SAUER STL-900L Tactical Light & Laser is your best option when facing the unknown.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Quick release latching system mounts to M1913 and similar type rails
• On-board tool for laser windage & elevation Adjustment
• 4MM glass lens
• Advanced polymer HOUSING, with an anodized aluminum bezel
• Integrated circuits provide power management
• High intensity red laser works alone or in combination with the white light
• 80 minutes peak battery life, using (1) CR123A Lithium Battery
• High output LED (*130 Lumens peak) provides a blinding white light, with a strobe function
• GREAT for civilians, off duty officers & military personnel

*Output based on LED manufacturers specifications.



http://www.sigsauer.com/SigStore/ShowProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=0&productid=285
 
The frame flex characteristics of the 22 cause it to have issues.

The statement above is false. The issue with some G22/23 lies in the recoil spring and the magazine springs. Glock is aware of the issue. Replace the recoil spring and mag springs with Wolff springs and you will be GTG.
 
As I had said, Streamlight says they determined it to be a mag spring issue. I think Glock started making 11 coil mag springs for the G22 and G23 which supposedly fixed the issue. My G22 has never had a problem with my Insight M6X hanging off of it.
 
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